The Casa Quatro Telhados project, designed by TW Ryan Architecture, is a single-story residence engineered to support healthy aging in place. It is situated on a cliff overlooking Lake Sil in central Montana and is focused on longevity, low maintenance, and extended living in a remote area.
The design accounts for the region's harsh climate, which features temperature fluctuations up to 30 degrees, susceptibility to wildfires, and heavy snowfall. This was achieved through an integrated approach combining the building's form, materials, and operational characteristics.
Four tent-shaped roofs create a recognizable silhouette against the landscape, with their geometry calibrated to the distant peaks of Bob Marshall Wilderness. The house layout is adapted to the topography, solar orientation, and views, minimizing environmental impact while organizing a sequence of spaces that are simultaneously connected to the land and open to the outside.
A continuous shell of patinated steel covers the entire roof and walls, providing durable and fire-resistant protection. The patina of this material develops over time, harmonizing with the area's rich copper geology, while also reducing the need for long-term maintenance. Deep roof overhangs control the influx of solar heat, manage snow runoff, and shield window openings from inclement weather.
Ecological performance is integrated into both passive and active systems. The orientation, window frames, and envelope design reduce energy consumption, while a geothermal system combined with radiant floor heating ensures a stable and efficient climate. Truss ceilings in the main living areas reflect and amplify natural light, enhancing interior comfort and atmosphere.
The guiding principle of the project is sustainability, where the form, material, and interaction with external conditions make the specific characteristics of the site evident.
The Plinth House is a 3,000 m² single-family residence located on the coast of Abu Alhusaniya, in Kuwait, and was completed in 2025. The project was developed by the firm Cambra Buró, which was responsible for the architectural, interior, and landscaping designs of the building.
The concept of the house is based on the interaction between containment and expression elements. The structure includes a travertine-sculpted foundation that anchors the building to the ground, upon which rests an upper volume characterized by a minimalist and serene design, creating an intentional contrast with the robust base.
